Is this a good cartridge?

[BobT]

I bought a .243 for my daughter to use for deer hunting in northern MN. I've been looking at all the various loads for this cartridge but am not sure which would be appropriate.

One that I think looks good is a Federal 100gr Power-Shok soft point. Is this a good choice for these hunting conditions?

Bob

[Walterwontfalter]

I used a .243 for years with 100 gr bullets from both Federal and Remington. Honestly, you don't need any special super ballistic tip, maximum trophy bond [PoorWordUsage] in a bullet. Just a good quality bullet from a quality manufacturer shot out of a well zeroed rifle by a hunter who's had plenty of target practice. Easy enough.

[boatfixer]

I completely agree with walter.

[sparkydm]

Excellent choice for your daughter! The load you mention is just fine for whitetails.

[Mr Special]

I agree with everyone esle as well. Very good round and I never had a problem putting down a deer when I used it either.

[lcornice]

I bought a .243 for my daughter to use for deer hunting in northern MN. I've been looking at all the various loads for this cartridge but am not sure which would be appropriate.

One that I think looks good is a Federal 100gr Power-Shok soft point. Is this a good choice for these hunting conditions?

Bob

Winchester is also loading a 95 grain XP3, which should be pretty effective on deer.

[BobT]

Thanks for the advice.

Bob

[huntnfish]

I shoot Federal Fusions in 95 grain in my .243 and have been very impressed with the performance. They are very accurate with some groups close to 1" at 100 yards. I have shot 6 deer with these bullets and people are amazed at the damage these bullets can do with that small chunk of lead. Before that I shot the plain Federals and they did the job but the Fusions seem to be much better and they also group better out of my gun.

[huntingislife]

Yep, that load should work fine. You probably won't see that much performance gain with any of the Vital-Shok loads. The Power-Shok will be plenty adequate.

[tealitup]

Agreed with all of the statements above. Well done purchasing a nice weapon for your daughter.

[picksbigwagon]

Hornady makes great bullets, usually very accurate, as with any gun, it is gonna like some bullets a lot and shot manhole cover groups with other brands. The problem truely being is that 243 loads have gone through the roof price wise.